Woman Banned From Theme Park For Wearing This- Do You Have A Problem With It? (Photo)

By: Mackenzie Wright | October 11, 2018

Some people love theme parks and big thrill rides, and they know to dress comfortably when they go there. One woman wore a t-shirt featuring the name of a band that she loved: Handguns. When she got to the park, she was told she couldn't enter with the shirt because it promoted gun violence.

Rachel Holley of Williamsburg, Virginia gets an annual pass to Busch Gardens every year so that she can visit as much as she can. She may not be keeping up with this hobby after the way she was treated by the park's employees. Holley was denied entry to the park because of the t-shirt she was wearing.

"I felt like a criminal," said the 24-year-old, who couldn't believe the uproar her t-shirt caused.

Holley was wearing a black t-shirt that said 'Handguns' across the back, along with an image from 'The Rugrats', the popular kids' cartoon. The name Handguns also appears on an emblem on the upper left chest.

Handguns are a band that Holley loves. The pop-punk band from Pennsylvania's name had the security thinking of guns, however, and apparently employees of the park felt the word was too controversial to be printed across a shirt.

The staff deemed the shirt 'inappropriate' for children and told her she was violating the park dress code. She was asked to leave and was told she could return when she came back in a new, appropriate shirt. "[I was told] if a kid were to see this shirt, they might think that guns are OK," Holley said.

Holley offered to turn the shirt inside-out, but the park staff said that wouldn't be good enough.

Holley bought a new shirt and was let in. She looked at the park with new awareness. "I found it hypocritical," she explained. "As soon as I walked into the park and saw [other t-shirts and toy weapons for sale] that were the same level, if not worse than what I had on my shirt."

Busch Gardens notes on their website that guests must wear 'appropriate clothing'. They note, "Clothing with suggestive or explicit language or insulting statements is not allowed. Busch Gardens reserves the right to refuse admission or ask anyone to leave who is not in compliance with these rules."

A Busch Gardens spokesperson says the incident is being investigated. "We are committed to fostering a safe, family atmosphere in our parks, including the dress code policy noted. One of the responsibilities of our security officers is to determine the appropriateness of guest attire and considering potentially offensive pictures or words printed on clothing is a major factor in their assessment. We are looking into this situation and have been in contact with the guest."

Holley says she has been contacted by the company about the investigation. She's not sure if she wants to return, though. That will depend on the outcome.

"If I do go back to the park, I’m definitely going to think about what I’m going to wear," she conceded. "I don't want to go through that again."